On November 12th, 2024, Harmy Mendoza, the Executive Director of Woman ACT, spoke at the Toronto Police Service Board Meeting about the increasing incidents of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Family Violence in Toronto. In alignment with the Toronto Police Service’s recognition and acknowledgment of IPV, coupled with the ongoing community advocacy for Bill 173 – the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, it is essential to address the rise of intimate partner violence through a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach. This approach should prioritize survivor-centered, trauma-informed practices.
This submission to the Toronto Service Police Board includes several key recommendations, including strengthening coordination across various systems, comprehensive data collection, and building an integrated multi-sector approach. These efforts aim to better prevent, respond to, and support survivors of intimate partner violence.